Building off of the momentum of past successful conferences, Golden Networking takes Wearable Computing Conference 2014 (www.wearable-computing-conference.com) global: New York City, San Francisco, London, Seoul and Munich, “How Wearable Technologies are Revolutionizing Mobile Wireless Internet, Healthcare and Fashion”.
New York City, NY, USA (February 16, 2014) — According to a report by CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/21/tech/innovation/google-glass-firefighter), Patrick Jackson has developed an app for Google Glass, Google’s experimental head-mounted computer, which feeds important information directly to the eye-line of firefighters in an emergency. When a building is on fire, every second counts for the first responders rushing to the scene. This computer-savvy firefighter in North Carolina is hoping a bit of futuristic wearable technology and clever programming can help save time and lives, themes that will be covered at Golden Networking’s Wearable Computing Conference 2014 (http://www.wearable-computing-conference.com), “How Wearable Technologies are Revolutionizing Mobile Wireless Internet, Healthcare and Fashion”, forums to be held throughout 2014 in San Francisco (March 18), London (May 29), New York City (July 31), Seoul (September 25) and Munich (November 20).
A self-taught programmer, Jackson first started tinkering with computers when he was 7 and later spent a year studying computer science in college before transferring to the University of North Carolina, Asheville, for an environmental management and policy program. He became a firefighter. About four years ago, he purchased a smartphone and was inspired to start programming again. “Since then I’ve taught myself way more than I ever knew about programming. I’ve developed an Android app, an iPhone app and a Glass app,” Jackson said.
His first project was the Android app Firefighter Log, which routed key information directly to the smartphone, including text messages from dispatchers, streams of emergency radio feeds, and location information for fires and nearby hydrants. Jackson says more than 20,000 people have downloaded the apps. To get his hands on Google Glass, Jackson submitted his idea to Google’s IfIHadGlass competition.
By routing information directly to Google Glass, the app can save firefighters from having to stop what they’re doing in order to reach for a radio, smartphone, tablet or computer. Jackson plans on adding even more useful data in future versions, like information on specific buildings including blueprints, potential building hazards and contact information for owners. A firefighter might be able to say an address out loud or simply look at a building with the Google Glass camera to retrieve information.
Google Glass can also record the first video of a situation when crews arrive. That early documentation will be important to fire investigations down the line. For now, Google Glass isn’t compatible with the oxygen masks firefighters wear on the ground, so the app is more for external personnel. Jackson’s Glass stays behind in the truck.
Other fire departments and researchers also are experimenting with wearable technology, thanks to a recent availability of affordable wearable sensors that can track vitals and environmental factors like air quality and temperature. The Wearable Advanced Sensor Platform, or WASP, can track a firefighter’s location as well as physical data such as heart rate, breathing and activity levels in real time. A Belgium finalist for Microsoft’s Imagine Cup created a system that combines location sensors and augmented reality glasses to help firefighters move around buildings when there is minimal visibility.
The future is here, with the production of a new generation of technologies such as Google Glass, Apple “iWatch” and Samsung Galaxy Gear, among others, that will allow users to interact with computing devices that are worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing. Wearable Computing Conference 2014 will review the latest developments in San Francisco (http://www.wearabletechnologiessanfrancisco.eventbrite.com), London (http://www.wearabletechnologieslondon.eventbrite.com), New York City (http://www.wearabletechnologiesnewyorkcity.eventbrite.com), Seoul (http://www.wearabletechnologiesseoul.eventbrite.com) and Munich (http://www.wearabletechnologiesmunich.eventbrite.com).
Golden Networking’s Wearable Computing Conference 2014, “How Wearable Technologies are Revolutionizing Mobile Wireless Internet, Healthcare and Fashion,” will examine wearable technologies’ functions, application, the competition and possibilities for economic and personal growth. Wearable Computing Conference 2014 is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business and technology executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to contact Golden Networking by sending an email to information@goldennetworking.com.
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